Providers told to widen their vision

Traditional approaches to managing the UK’s 600,000 rented
sheltered housing units are no longer applicable but the sector
still has much to offer, according to a report out this week.

Despite negative perceptions of the sheltered housing sector as
“past its sell-by date” there are “shining examples of excellent,
innovative, customer-focused practice”, the Chartered Institute of
Housing report argues.

It says providers should embrace a wider vision of what sheltered
housing can offer, such as a place for leisure and lifelong
learning, a resource for the wider community and an alternative to
residential care.

The report suggests residents are offered flexible services from a
menu of options and have a range of opportunities for inclusion and
involvement.

Schemes ought also to be able to respond to increasing numbers of
residents opting for direct payments, individual budgets or
floating support, it adds.